Urvich Fortress, located in the Lozen Mountain approximately 15 kilometers from Sofia near the village of Kokalyane, stands as a medieval stronghold with roots reaching back to antiquity. Though traditionally dated to the 13th century as a defense for the mountain pass to Sofia, recent archaeological discoveries revealed a triangular stone tower from the end of the 2nd–beginning of the 3rd century CE, indicating Roman-era occupation. The fortress occupied a naturally defensible position, surrounded on three sides by the torrential Iskar River, and local legend records several unsuccessful Ottoman assaults before they resorted to infiltrating the fortress through knowledge of secret night passages used to fetch fresh water. The site remains relatively well-preserved with one tower standing particularly intact, and traces of a monastery can still be observed on the hilltop, offering panoramic views toward Sofia and the surrounding mountain landscape.
